As Californians Rob Owens and Ian Au-Yeung took in an early April spring training game between the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers at Peoria Sports Complex, they may have felt a bit more crowded by the fans this year at the ballpark.

From the day that Arizona became a state on Feb. 14, 1912, its boundaries have remained unchanged, but if not for some political gamesmanship, today’s Grand Canyon State would have had a remarkably different portrait.

This year marks 10 years since Arizona tribes signed new gaming compacts with the state of Arizona. These compacts provide an avenue for tribes to share gaming revenues with all Arizonans. As of September 2011, tribes have contributed more than $640 million to benefit education, trauma and emergency care, wildlife conservation and business development through tourism. These are real, hard dollars that have flowed to the state in good times and bad. In addition, tribal contributions fully fund the Arizona Department of Gaming, which is one of three entities that regulate tribal gaming, along with funding programs that work to prevent problem gambling.

As the state prepares to turn 100 years old in 2012, reflection is inevitable.

Looking back on old photographs, such as a sturdy miner posing in front of a giant hole in the earth, recalls the glory of days when Arizona and its residents were sustained on what the state’s rugged, diverse terrain could provide.

Arizona’s moderate winters, diverse geography and year-round golfing have long been a draw for visitors from around the country and the world. From the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks to the rich history of Route 66 and Tombstone, the state offers something for just about everyone.
The mere existence of these attractions isn’t enough, some say. Making sure would-be visitors actually step foot — and spend money — in Arizona requires investment at the state level. Those in the tourism industry say the state’s appeal needs to be fostered and its promotion consistently funded.